In a heartbreaking revelation, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reported that 84 lecturers have lost their lives between May and August 2024, largely due to economic hardship and the ongoing crisis in Nigeria’s educational sector. ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke shared this alarming statistic during a recent interview, shedding light on the dire circumstances faced by academic staff.
Impact of Economic Strain
Prof. Osodeke attributed these tragic deaths to the severe financial struggles that many lecturers are enduring, exacerbated by unpaid salaries and rising living costs. He stated, “In the past three months, Nigerian universities lost 84 academics to death due to what our people are going through.” The situation has been further aggravated by the government’s “no-work, no-pay” policy, which has left many educators in precarious financial positions.
Urgent Need for Funding
Highlighting the critical need for increased funding in the education sector, Osodeke emphasized that better financial support is essential to motivate lecturers and improve educational quality. He pointed out that his monthly salary of ₦420,000 is inadequate for a professor with 15 years of experience, illustrating the broader challenges facing academic staff across the country.
ASUU’s Ultimatum to Government
In light of these pressing issues, ASUU has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government as of September 25, 2024. The union is demanding urgent action on several longstanding matters, including renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and resolution of withheld salaries from previous strikes.
Conclusion
The loss of these 84 lecturers serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and support within Nigeria’s educational system. As ASUU continues to advocate for its members, all eyes will be on the government to see how it responds to these critical challenges impacting the future of education in Nigeria.
